From City of Side and Alanya: Legends and Pirates Yacht Tour

The main draw here is simple: you get a full day on the Mediterranean for $35, with Alanya Castle views, several swim stops, lunch, drinks, and a foam party thrown in. Children get face painting, pirate bandannas, and organized entertainment, so this is built as much for families as for sun-seeking adults.

I especially like the 1.5-hour Alanya port break, which gives you time for the Red Tower, historical bazaar, or castle instead of keeping you on the boat all day. The second strong point is the value: hotel pickup, a buffet lunch, unlimited cold soft drinks, and insurance are included. The drawback is that the boat can become crowded and noisy, and the swimming stops may feel less relaxing when people rush for the water or claim deck space early.

Key points to know before booking

• Legend Big Kral: Look for this boat name at the Türkler port.
• Alanya sightseeing time: You get about 1.5 hours in the harbor for the bazaar, Red Tower, or castle.
• Family entertainment: Children receive face painting and free pirate bandannas, with shows during the cruise.
• Included value: Lunch, hotel transfers, insurance, and unlimited cold soft drinks are covered in the $35 price.
• Swimming and foam party: Expect several sea stops, music, high jumping, and a foam party rather than a quiet sailing trip.
• Bring your towel: Snorkeling gear is allowed, but fishing is not.

Why this $35 cruise offers good value

At $35 per person, this is one of those outings where the included extras matter. The price covers a seven-hour cruise, hotel pickup and drop-off, an open buffet lunch, unlimited cold soft drinks, swimming stops, entertainment, and full insurance.

You still pay separately for alcoholic drinks, personal purchases, and photos or a DVD. Even so, the package is strong for families and anyone who wants a busy day without arranging transport, food, and sightseeing on their own.

I would not choose this boat for a quiet, small-group sail. The format is social, musical, and highly programmed. You will hear popular music, watch shows, and join a foam party. That makes the price attractive for families, groups of friends, and anyone who likes a holiday day with plenty happening.

The overall rating is 4.2 from 43 reviews, which fits the experience as described: very good fun for the right audience, but not a perfect match for everyone. The most praised parts are the crew, food, DJ, swimming stops, and the pirate-style ship itself.

Pickup from Side and the ride to Türkler port

Hotel pickup runs from about 7:20 to 8:30 in the morning, depending on where you are staying. Pickup areas include Gündoğdu, Çolaklı, Evrenseki, Kumköy, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, Kızılot, Çenger, Örenşehir, Okurcalar, İncekum, Avsallar, Türkler, Payallar, and Konaklı.

That broad pickup area is useful if you are based around Side or Alanya, but it also means the morning transfer may involve several hotel stops. Keep your towel and swimwear easy to reach, and confirm your pickup point carefully. One useful detail is that pickup is described as taking place at the security gate, and this worked smoothly for at least one family.

The boat is the Legend Big Kral, leaving from Alanya or Türkler port at about 9:00. The ship itself is part of the entertainment. This is not a plain transfer boat that happens to stop for swimming. The pirate theme, music, children’s activities, and deck shows begin shaping the mood early.

Turning children into mini pirates

One of the nicest family touches comes near the start of the cruise. Staff paint the children’s faces and give them free pirate bandannas. A team is available to help look after the children during the yacht trip, and later shows and animations continue the pirate theme.

That does not mean parents can hand over all responsibility. You still need to supervise your children, especially around the swimming stops, deck edges, high jumping, and foam party. The organized entertainment simply gives younger children more to do between swims.

The format suits children who enjoy music, costumes, and group activities. It may not suit a child who gets overwhelmed by loud music or crowded spaces. The boat’s party atmosphere is a major part of the day, not a minor extra.

First swim by Cleopatra Beach and Alanya Castle

The first swimming stop is near Alanya Castle and Cleopatra Beach, lasting about 30 minutes. This gives you a memorable setting for your first swim, with the castle and coast nearby rather than an anonymous stretch of sea.

Thirty minutes is enough for a quick swim and a few photos, but it is not a long beach break. Bring your towel, and if you like looking below the surface, you can bring your own snorkeling equipment. Snorkeling gear is allowed, although the trip is not presented as a dedicated snorkeling excursion.

The swimming stops are best for confident swimmers and families who are comfortable managing their own time in the water. One practical caution comes from the boat’s busy nature: people may rush to get in or out, and the water can become hectic when many passengers leave at once. If your child is a hesitant swimmer, stay close and avoid treating the high-jump show as something every child must try.

A useful 1.5 hours in Alanya Harbor

After the first swim, the boat anchors at Alanya Harbor for around 1.5 hours. This is one of the best features of the itinerary because it gives the day a land-based break and lets you see a little of Alanya rather than only viewing it from offshore.

You can use the time in several ways:

• Walk through Alanya Historical Bazaar.
• Visit or view the Red Tower.
• Head toward Alanya Castle.
• Simply stretch your legs and explore around the harbor.

The exact amount you can see depends on walking speed and how much time you want for each place. Do not plan an ambitious full tour of Alanya in this window. The stop is long enough for a focused visit, not a complete city day.

I like this balance. You get the fun of a boat trip without giving up all contact with town. At the same time, the harbor stop breaks up the seven-hour schedule, which can otherwise feel long for anyone who is not fully committed to music and swimming.

Buffet lunch and unlimited cold drinks

After the harbor stop, lunch is served back on board as an open buffet. The menu is described as including freshly grilled seafood, though the exact selection may vary. Cold soft drinks are unlimited and included throughout the cruise.

For a $35 outing, having lunch and drinks covered is a real advantage. You do not need to search for food during the harbor stop, and you can return to the boat knowing a meal is part of the schedule.

This is still a group buffet, not a restaurant meal. If you have strict dietary needs, the supplied information does not promise special menus, so ask before booking. Alcoholic beverages are not included and must be purchased separately.

A recent German review singled out the food as very good, along with the DJ and staff. That matches the overall design of the trip: the meal is there to keep the day moving, while the boat’s music and entertainment remain the main event.

Lovers Cave and the high-jump show

As the boat continues along the coast of Alanya Castle, you pass Lovers Cave. This is a scenic coastal sight best understood from the water. The boat then presents a high-jumping show, adding a bit of spectacle to the cruise.

The stop is more about seeing the coast and enjoying the performance than spending quiet time at the cave. You will want a camera ready, but photos and DVDs are not included in the price. If you buy them, treat that as an optional extra rather than part of the core package.

The high-jump feature also explains why the cruise appeals to older children and teenagers. It gives them something to watch between swim stops. Parents should judge the activity by their own children’s comfort level. Nobody needs to jump, and you can enjoy the view without taking part.

Music, foam, and the second round of swimming

Later in the day, the boat turns up the party mood with popular music and a foam party. The DJ received especially strong praise, and the music is a major reason this cruise feels more like a floating party than a sightseeing boat.

Children often get the most out of the foam party, but adults can join in too. You can also stay back and watch if you would rather keep your clothes and camera dry. Foam, water, music, and a crowded deck require sensible care, especially with younger children.

After the foam party comes another swimming break, followed by a final swim before the return to Türkler port. The schedule gives you repeated chances to cool off, but it also means the day can feel full and tiring. Bring sunscreen, a towel, and clothing that dries quickly.

One important point: this is not a peaceful sunset cruise. The entertainment, DJ, and foam party are central features. If you want calm water, long stretches of silence, or a private feel, choose a different type of boat trip.

How crowded and family-friendly is it?

The tour is explicitly designed to suit children, and the face painting, bandannas, child-focused team, animations, and foam party support that claim. Families who want their children occupied throughout the day will find plenty to keep them busy.

Still, family-friendly does not mean quiet or carefully controlled. A large boat attracts a mix of ages and swimming abilities. Deck seating may be claimed early, and crowded boarding or swimming moments can test everyone’s patience.

One detailed account described inconsiderate behavior from some passengers, including people saving places with bags and pushing ahead to leave the water. That is useful advice, not a reason to reject the boat. Arrive ready for a shared public outing, keep an eye on your belongings, and give yourself extra space around the water access points.

The crew and ship cat were also singled out positively, which adds a little personality to the day. The boat’s character, rather than polished luxury, is part of its charm.

Who should book this Alanya yacht tour?

I would recommend it to families with children, groups of friends, couples who enjoy lively boat trips, and anyone looking for a low-cost day that combines swimming and sightseeing. It is also a good fit if you are staying in Side and want a straightforward way to reach Alanya without arranging separate transport.

You should book with realistic expectations. The experience is active, social, and music-heavy. You may share space with passengers who are less careful about seating or swimming queues. People who do not swim confidently should be cautious, and anyone who dislikes crowded party settings may find the day tiring.

The cruise is listed as unsuitable for people over 95. English, German, and Russian are available, which helps with basic communication, though the exact guide names are not provided.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and any snorkeling equipment you want to use. Fishing is not allowed. Alcohol, personal spending, and photos are extra.

Is the Legend Big Kral cruise worth booking?

Book this tour if you want a high-energy family boat day with Alanya views, several swims, lunch, drinks, music, and a foam party for $35. The 1.5-hour port stop makes it more useful than a cruise that keeps you offshore all day.

Skip it if your ideal boat trip means silence, personal space, or a small group. The best value comes from using everything included: swim, explore Alanya, eat lunch, enjoy the music, and join the foam party. If that sounds like your kind of holiday day, the price is hard to argue with.

FAQ

How long is the Legends and Pirates Yacht Tour?

The cruise lasts about seven hours.

What is the boat called?

The boat is called Legend Big Kral.

Where does the boat depart?

The boat departs from Alanya or Türkler port at approximately 9:00.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels in listed areas around Side, Alanya, and nearby resort districts.

What food and drinks are included?

An open buffet lunch and unlimited cold soft drinks are included. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

How much free time is available in Alanya?

The boat anchors at Alanya Harbor for about 1.5 hours.

What sights can I see during the cruise?

You can see Alanya Castle, Cleopatra Beach, Lovers Cave, Alanya Harbor, the Red Tower, and the Historical Bazaar area.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

Yes. Children can receive face painting and free pirate bandannas, and the cruise includes children’s animations and shows.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring a towel. You may bring your own snorkeling gear, but fishing is not allowed.